Can I Mix Different Refrigerants? (2023)

FAQs

Can you mix different refrigerants? ›

The short-long-only answer is no, never. There are many reasons why it's impractical, illegal, and not economical for a homeowner to mix refrigerant types. CFC-type refrigerants like R-22 – the most popular in the United States by far – are a single type of refrigerant. CFC stands for chlorofluorocarbons.

Mixed refrigerants can cause increased system pressures and temperatures changing them for the worse. This can result in ineffective compressor cooling and possible compressor damage, ineffective cooling, and metering device malfunction. Different types of refrigerants are not meant to be mixed.

In short: no, it's not a good idea to mix different automotive air conditioning refrigerants. Your vehicle's HVAC system is designed for a specific kind of refrigerant, so adding another kind may cause the system to become damaged.

No, you cannot. To make a short story long, R410A and R22 are refrigerants. They are both good refrigerants and they both work, but they have to be charged in the system at different pressures. R410A is a higher pressure system and R22 is a lower pressure system.

Recover the refrigerant into a container used only for that type of refrigerant. Do not mix refrigerants. Store recovered refrigerant by refrigerant type (e.g., R-22, R-134a, R-1234yf, etc.) in separate refrigerant recovery cylinders (identifiable by a yellow band around the top collar of the recovery cylinder).

Mixing refrigerants can have an adverse effect on air conditioning and refrigeration systems, resulting in reduced efficiency, performance, and longevity. And it can create a safety hazard for the technician who may not know exactly what type of refrigerant a system may contain.

You cannot mix refrigerant types, and putting the wrong refrigerant in your car will cause damage to the air conditioning system! If you're not sure which kind of refrigerant your vehicle takes, DIY A/C charging may not be for you.

You can use your normal equipment; Minus 30 is suitable for all systems. It doesn't matter whether it is an old R12 system, or a new R134a system, Minus 30 is compatible with all oils, O rings, seals and gaskets.

The mixing of R-134a with R-1234yf will change refrigerant pressure and may result in evaporator freeze-up on pressure control systems, reducing system airflow.

You cannot just switch refrigerants because R410-A and R-22 have different chemical properties. R410-A operates at a higher pressure. If you put R410-A into an R-22 system, the parts will rupture due to the increased force.

What happens if you put R22 in a 410A unit? ›

If you use R-22 in the same system as R-410a, the compressor is going to be trying to work two different fluids through the same coils as both refrigerants respond differently to different mechanical situations. As you might imagine, this isn't going to go well for your air conditioner or heat pump.

An environmentally more benign refrigerant for replacing refrigerant R410A includes a majority portion of refrigerant R32 and a minority portion of refrigerant R134a, the volumetric capacity of the replacement refrigerant permitting it to be used as a near or exact drop-in replacement for refrigerant R410A in terms of ...

Many Bay Area homeowners wonder whether they can mix different types of refrigerants in their air conditioning system with the R22 phase out almost complete. The direct answer is that different refrigerants should not be mixed.

Different brand equipment can almost always work fine. However, because manufacturers design their components to work optimally together, the potential exists for some loss in efficiency when mixing and matching. Keep in mind, you are also combining systems that are different ages as well.

These mixtures will have to be disposed of by incineration. Also, mixtures of HCFC-22 and Freon™ 407C or Freon™ 410A refrigerants will have performance properties different than either refrigerant alone. Therefore, we do not recommend mixing HCFC-22 and Freon™ refrigerants in any system.

R22+410a mixture in r22 units

It's fine to add a little bit R410A into R22 units, but the system pressure needs to be adjusted for R22 working pressure because the R22 compressor cannot stand high pressure, let's say suction pressure 60 psi, head pressure 200 psi.

In short, the answer is, "No!" Automotive refrigerants are volatile compounds that can have a negative effect on the environment. Combining them can have adverse effects, and cause damage to your car's A/C system.

R407C can be used to COMPLETELY replace R-22 refrigerant in new or existing R-22 residential and commercial air conditioning systems as well as non-flooded evaporator chillers. Cannot be added to R-22 unless fully evacuated and recharged with 407C.

Having too much refrigerant in your AC can damage the compressor. This can happen because the excess refrigerant will likely collect inside the compressor and cause subcooling, wherein temperatures are below normal. Furthermore, the extra refrigerant can flood the compressor and damage its mechanical parts.

Can I mix Forane® 427A and R-22? Mixing refrigerants is not recommended as it creates a new refrigerant that is not EPA approved. In addition, it contaminates the R-22. Proper calculation of superheat and subcooling becomes extremely difficult, which could result in damaging the compressor.

Can you mix R404A and R134a? ›

Thread: Accidentally mixed R404A with R134a

It will never work and your TEV or capillary is not designed for this refrigerant. If you want to destroy your compressor, let it run this way.

Using a propane-based refrigerant in an air conditioner that is not designed to use propane or flammable refrigerants poses a threat to homeowners as well as service technicians, because systems that are recharged with an unapproved alternative called “22a” can catch fire or explode, resulting in injury and property ...

Short answer: NO. Long answer: This is a very bad idea for multiple reasons: R22 & R404A have different pressure temperature characteristics.

There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744.

While you might be thinking you're doing the environment a solid, do not do it. It is illegal to convert an R12 or 134a system to 1234yf.

Ultimately, no. If you're trying to “top off” an R12 system with R134a refrigerant, you can face some hefty fines with the Federal US government and EPA.

In 2012, automobile manufacturers began the transition to new, climate-friendly alternative refrigerants. As a result of a July 2015 rulemaking, by model year 2021, the MVAC systems in newly manufactured light-duty vehicles in the United States will no longer use HFC-134a.

Most cars hold between 28 and 32 ounces of refrigerant (or about 2—3 12oz cans), however larger vehicles and those with rear A/C will likely hold more.

R134a and R1234yf are similar, however, R1234yf was created as a more environmentally friendly replacement to R134a. The biggest difference between the two is that R1234yf is mildly flammable and does require special handling. Diagnosis of the air-conditioning system can be done in the same way as with R134a.

[38], the cooling capacity of an R1234yf refrigeration system was approximately 7.7–10.6% lower than that of an R134a system.

Why did they switch to R-1234yf? ›

The auto industry has transitioned some U.S. models to R-1234yf, although it's not required by current U.S. law. The reason the auto industry is transitioning its U.S. models is to achieve commonality with European models, and to gain Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) “credits” from the EPA.

Mixing refrigerants is not recommended. R-22 replacements should not be used to top off R-22 systems. R-22 should be recovered using appropriate equipment and managed according to U.S. EPA guidelines specified in Section 608 of the U.S. Clean Air Act.

MO99 is compatible with mineral oil and POE oil providing a quick, cost-effective R-22 replacement, and can be topped off during service without removing the entire refrigerant charge.

On January 1, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a ban on the production and import of R22, except for continuing servicing needs of existing equipment. The EPA also banned the manufacture and installation of new R22 AC or heat pump systems.

RS-53 (R470A) is a new non-flammable Drop-in replacement for R410A with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) less than half that of R410A. RS-53 (R470A) has a similar thermodynamic performance to R410A with matching energy efficiency and cooling capacity.

The leading replacement for R-410A refrigerant is a pure, single component refrigerant called R-32, which has one-third the global warming potential of R‑410A.

The act empowered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set HFC management and reduction guidelines. Following a directive by the EPA, new HVAC systems will no longer use R410a refrigerants as of January 1, 2023.

R134a reacts with water to form hydrofluoric acid which damages the internal A/C components.

Do you need a license to buy R-410A refrigerant? You do not need an EPA license to purchase R-410A. However, you do need a license to use it to charge a system. While we encourage responsible DIYers, there are some things you should definitely leave to a trained HVAC professional.

Although there are various types of refrigerants, R-32 is a new refrigerant currently receiving the most interest. Because R-32 efficiently conveys heat, it can reduce electricity consumption up to approximately 10% compared to that of air conditioners using refrigerant R-22.

What happens if you mix R22 and r421a? ›

the simple answer is no. If a technician were to “top-off” an R-22 system with R-421A, they would essentially be creating a refrigerant mix that is not authorized by the EPA. It is a Federal violation to knowingly mix refrigerants. R-421A will not operate correctly if mixed with other refrigerants.

No they work with completely different pressures. R134A was the replacement for R12 that was used in cars, R22 is a refrigerant that was mostly used in home AC. No, the oil used to lubricate the compressor isn't compatible and will cause the compressor to lockup.

Your HVAC system's efficiency and lifespan will suffer.

Every component — including the coils, wiring and blowers — needs to be suitable for each other for the equipment to run smoothly. Mismatched parts will only result in headaches down the road, compromise your comfort and cause the system to fail shortly.

Cooling time

However, the ton capacity of an AC plays a crucial role in deciding how long an air conditioner will take in cooling a room. A 1 ton AC generally takes around 1 hour to cool a room, whereas an AC with a 1.5 ton capacity can take anywhere around 35-45 minutes to cool the same room.

Keep in mind when pairing a condenser and air handler, it's okay for the air handler to be a bigger size than the condenser, but never the other way around. It is also always good to check equipment compatibility with the manufacturer and AHRI as well. In fact, we recommend you do that.

The short-long-only answer is no, never. There are many reasons why it's impractical, illegal, and not economical for a homeowner to mix refrigerant types. CFC-type refrigerants like R-22 – the most popular in the United States by far – are a single type of refrigerant. CFC stands for chlorofluorocarbons.

No, you cannot. To make a short story long, R410A and R22 are refrigerants. They are both good refrigerants and they both work, but they have to be charged in the system at different pressures. R410A is a higher pressure system and R22 is a lower pressure system.

Bortolini et al. (2015) concluded that the most suitable refrigerant to replace R404A in medium evaporating temperature conditions is R410A and in freezing cooling loads, R407F (Figure 7).

R32 has a higher compressor discharge temperature than R410A, and will increase wear on the compressor, reducing its life significantly. Should any problem arise from a system change such as this, any liability would rest ENTIRELY with the person who carried out the change.

The United States explicitly prohibit the use of R410A and R134a refrigerant.

Is Freon 134A the same as R134a? ›

In the 1990s, R134a Freon (also known as HFC-134A) emerged as the alternative to R-12. The majority of vehicles on the road today use R134a to fuel their air conditioning systems.

Yes it must be actual refrigerant. There are specific refrigerants for various types of systems. The required quality is the refrigerant should match the cooling system as specified by the manufacturer.

You cannot mix refrigerant types, and putting the wrong refrigerant in your car will cause damage to the air conditioning system! If you're not sure which kind of refrigerant your vehicle takes, DIY A/C charging may not be for you.

A 410a compressor running 407C will lose about 35% capacity.

Loss of refrigerant: This is the #1 way a compressor might die years before its time. The amount of refrigerant in an air conditioner is specially set to work with the compressor. If the AC loses refrigerant through leaks, the imbalance will eventually cause the compressor to overheat.

Extreme cold.

Experts say that excess refrigerant in an overcharged residential or commercial AC unit will collect inside the compressor and cause subcooling, resulting in extremely cold temperatures that can reach sub-zero levels, Air conditioners aren't designed to handle sub-zero temperatures.

If you mix R407C with R22 inside your system the molecule of the HFC (R407C) gas will not link with the oil and in just few months of operation you will have a "sludge" like lubricant formation inside the circuit.

You cannot just switch refrigerants because R410-A and R-22 have different chemical properties. R410-A operates at a higher pressure. If you put R410-A into an R-22 system, the parts will rupture due to the increased force.

In short, the answer is, "No!" Automotive refrigerants are volatile compounds that can have a negative effect on the environment. Combining them can have adverse effects, and cause damage to your car's A/C system.

What refrigerant can be mixed with R410a? ›

You can mix R-22 and R-410a refrigerant in the same system.

Having too much refrigerant in your AC can damage the compressor. This can happen because the excess refrigerant will likely collect inside the compressor and cause subcooling, wherein temperatures are below normal. Furthermore, the extra refrigerant can flood the compressor and damage its mechanical parts.

Many Bay Area homeowners wonder whether they can mix different types of refrigerants in their air conditioning system with the R22 phase out almost complete. The direct answer is that different refrigerants should not be mixed.

Like R407A, R407F is fully compatible with the POE lubricants used in an R404A system and, in many cases, the original oil can be used. R407F has a lower mass flow than R404A, so some recommend checking existing piping to ensure compatibility.

A: The standard recommendation is not to mix refrigerants. RS-44 does not form an azeotropic mixture with R22 so that adding RS-44 to R22 in a system will not generate any higher pressures. In strictly technical terms, work has shown that RS-44 may be added to R22 without any adverse effects.

The mixing of R-134a with R-1234yf will change refrigerant pressure and may result in evaporator freeze-up on pressure control systems, reducing system airflow.

You cannot just switch refrigerants because R410-A and R-22 have different chemical properties. R410-A operates at a higher pressure. If you put R410-A into an R-22 system, the parts will rupture due to the increased force.

If you use R-22 in the same system as R-410a, the compressor is going to be trying to work two different fluids through the same coils as both refrigerants respond differently to different mechanical situations. As you might imagine, this isn't going to go well for your air conditioner or heat pump.

There will be no adverse chemical reactions in mixing R22 and R134A.

In short, the answer is, "No!" Automotive refrigerants are volatile compounds that can have a negative effect on the environment. Combining them can have adverse effects, and cause damage to your car's A/C system.

What is the difference between R-134a and R-1234YF? ›

R134a and R1234yf are similar, however, R1234yf was created as a more environmentally friendly replacement to R134a. The biggest difference between the two is that R1234yf is mildly flammable and does require special handling. Diagnosis of the air-conditioning system can be done in the same way as with R134a.

The pressure drop of R1234yf is approximately 40% higher than the pressure drop of R134a. The results of R410A vary more than R1234yf.

The best replacement for R-22 Freon is usually R-407c. It has a very low loss in capacity (0 – 5%) relative to R-22 and is less expensive than many other R-22 replacement refrigerants.

No. R32 is not suitable as a drop-in replacement for R410A and must only be used in systems specifically designed for R32.

We actually recommend that you not mix refrigerants. At all. Ever. It's usually bad.

R-407C should be used only in systems that currently use R-22. It should not be mixed with R-22 or any other refrigerant. 5. The capacity of the existing R-22 thermal expansion valve (TEV) will be approximately the same when using R-407C.